Women using the popular resale platform Vinted are facing a disturbing wave of online harassment, with reports of trolls stealing and sexualising their photos. The issue has sparked outrage among users and calls for stronger platform moderation.
The Growing Problem
Multiple female users have come forward with stories of their profile pictures being stolen from Vinted and repurposed on other platforms, often with sexualised captions or edited into explicit content. What begins as innocent clothing sales frequently escalates into targeted harassment campaigns.
How the Scams Operate
- Trolls save seller profile pictures from Vinted listings
- Images are shared on external forums and social media
- Victims receive abusive messages and friend requests
- Some report finding their photos on dating sites
"I was just trying to sell some old dresses," explains one London-based user who wished to remain anonymous. "Then I started getting creepy messages from men who clearly weren't interested in buying clothes."
Platform Response Under Scrutiny
While Vinted states it has robust reporting systems, many users claim the platform's response to harassment cases has been inadequate. Digital safety experts argue resale sites need to implement better protections for users, particularly women.
"These platforms must recognise their responsibility in preventing the weaponisation of user content," says cybersecurity analyst Dr Emma Richardson. "Basic privacy features like disabling image downloads could make a significant difference."
Protecting Yourself Online
For those continuing to use resale platforms, experts recommend:
- Using generic avatars instead of personal photos
- Watermarking any images uploaded
- Being cautious about sharing location details
- Regularly checking where your images appear online
As digital marketplaces grow, so too does the potential for misuse. This troubling trend highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety in online spaces designed for commerce.
